The Dales

The Dales can provide not only excellent birdwatching opportunities, but is also regarded as one of the most scenic areas that the county has to offer. The Dales can be visited at any time of year and is probably best known for it’s population of both Red Grouse and Black Grouse.

It is reported that the dales is Englands last stronghold for the Black Grouse and the birds can be viewed from the car at a selection of sites, offering minimal disturbance to the birds. Red Grouse can also be seen from the comfort of the vehicle, often at a distance of less than five yards.

Common Buzzards are becoming more frequent and there is now the opportunity to see untagged Red Kites (from the released Northern Kites Project). Other raptors could include Peregrine Falcon, Merlin, Sparrowhawk, Goshawk and Common Kestrel. There is also an outside chance of seeing Raven and Common Crossbill.

Summer months offer the chance to see other moorland specialities such as Dunlin, Curlew, Golden Plover, Lapwing, Common Redshank and Ring Ouzel. Recent migrants have included Dotterel and Osprey.

The Dales also offer ancient woodlands (Oak & Beech), which can be excellent for Common Redstart, Wood Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher and Pied Flycatcher.

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